IRVING - The chairman of the NCAA's infractions committee says a number of factors could be the cause for the lack of activity by the group that prompted Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby to call the enforcement program "broken."

Conference USA commissioner Britton Banowsky, chair of the Committee on Infractions, on Wednesday listed reforms and restructuring in the enforcement system and expansion of the committee as possible reasons.

He also noted the NCAA enforcement director changed in the aftermath of two investigators and two key leaders leaving in less than a year after an internal investigation uncovered problems with the NCAA's investigation of the University of Miami.

At Big 12 Media Days on Monday, Bowlsby said "cheating pays" and that anyone who conspired to bend the rules could do so successfully and probably not get caught in most occasions.

"They're in a battle with a BB gun in their hand. They're fighting howitzers," Bowlsby said of NCAA enforcement officials, while also saying he didn't believe cheating was rampant.

Banowsky said the last NCAA infractions hearing was in the Miami case in June 2013.

"I have to say that a lot of what (Bowlsby) says is true relative to the inactivity," Banowsky said. "I've been assured and encouraged that there's a lot in the pipeline and the thing is kind of ramping back up again and the new system is going to get engaged and functioning.

"I do appreciate what Bob is saying. I have a lot of respect for him, and I think he's smart and honest and accurate in the way that he sees these things," Banowsky said. "I'm a little more measured because I live in it. … I think this next year is a really important year for that process and for that system and for the NCAA as an organization, really."

Mariota, Oregon favored in Pac-12

Although Marcus Mariota knew he would be under a spotlight when he stepped onto the famed Paramount Studios lot, the Oregon quarterback is getting quite comfortable in his starring role.

"I've had to get used to it and come out of my shell a little bit, but I'm trying to enjoy it," Mariota said at the Pac-12's Media Days. "I take it as an honor and a privilege and, hopefully, an opportunity to provide a good influence."

Coach Mark Helfrich and Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott both used the league's first session of its two-day Hollywood kickoff event to praise Mariota for staying in school. The rest of the Pac-12 isn't quite as excited about the Heisman Trophy candidate's return after two dynamite seasons for the Ducks, but he's just one reason they're favored to win their highly competitive league again.

Mariota and Oregon were picked to claim the Pac-12 title in the preseason media poll, topping that chart for the fourth time in five years. The verdict was an unsurprising vote of confidence in the mobile passer and the powerful Ducks.

Mariota is the biggest reason for excitement around Oregon after turning down untold NFL millions for another shot at a national title.

"A lot of guys talk a good game, but everything that guy does is gospel," Helfrich said. "If I'm the backup guard and I see that guy forgo what he could have made - it's not some lip-service dream. This is a reality of a ton of money."

Houston unveils new uniforms

Houston unveiled its new 2014 uniforms at the Athletics/Alumni Center.